Fire Wise
Fire Wise or "Firescaping" prepares a homeowner for the possibility of a catastrophic event and reduces the risk of major damage or loss of property. Wildfire is a natural phenomenon in Southern California. Our hot dry late summers coupled with low humidity and high winds make for ripe conditions for fire. With a brief growing season, each year brush and native chaparral plantings form the ideal recipe for fuel. Our natural geography of canyons and slopes in hard to reach places all together form the present day conditions of expected wildfire season. As land has become in short supply and builders have encroached on the borders of the chaparral, it has become an expectation that in a case of man versus nature, nature will take the upper hand.
However, with proper steps taken, a homeowner can create a defensible space around one's home to avoid such dire consequences. Planting in zones of appropriate (low fuel/high moisture) plant material combined with annual brush management are all part of this equation. Zone 1 is the area next to the house out 30-50 feet. Ideally there ought to be no tall growing plants, especially evergreen trees and shrubs in this area which is irrigated. Zone 2 is the next 30-100 feet from a structure with low growing ground covers which are resistant to fire. Finally a third zone which lies beyond 100 feet from structures is a combination of low fuel plants and native vegetation which has been thinned to reduce fuel volume. The attempt is to create 20 feet of space between large shrubs or trees. The actual width of this zone is dependent on the type, size and density of the native growth, the steepness of a slope and the exposure.
Careful design using "fire smart" plants such as succulents and or deciduous trees and shrubs is of great importance. A partial list of low fuel native plants includes: Yarrow, California poppy, Annual Lupines, Monkey Flower, Penstemon, Creeping Sage, and California Fuchsia. Other plants to consider are Mirror Plants, Trailing Lantana, Myoporum, Aloes, Ice Plants, California Lilac, Rockroses, and Verbena. Ongoing brush management is another major factor in maintaining defensible space.
As we have seen the devastating outcome of recent wildfires, more and more individuals are now taking note of the alternatives and actions that need to be considered to minimize the risks. Having a great view and neighbors at a distance with a slope are all coveted amenities, however we have to respect nature and plan to avoid such costly mistakes when it comes to common sense factors of landscape design around homes in such prone areas. Our fire wise landscape designs in San Diego are award-winning, call us today for a quote.
